This was my first read by Maria Frankland and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re wanting a quick thriller to read in a weekend, this is your book.
Carla and Dominic were once married, and while Dominic is newly re-married to Natalie, Carla joins family Christmas without any warning.
Right from the start, it’s clear the family loves Clara and hates Natalie, which made me sympathize with Natalie right away, since she’s now Dominic’s wife. But then you start to learn tidbits of Natalie’s dark past, and it makes you question who you should be rooting for.
One thing is clear though—everyone at Christmas is hiding something and it very quickly comes out.
Some of the twists and turns in the book were predictable, as there were only a limited number of characters to put the blame on, but others took me by surprise. Things turn from bad to worse when the family starts to show their true colors, stopping at nothing to get what they want.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy.

I was in the mood for a twisty thriller, and His Ex-Wife did not disappoint at all. The story begins with Dominic and Natalie on their way to Dominic’s parents for Christmas. If Nat had any hopes of maybe leaving early and enjoying time alone with her new husband, they were all buried under a thick layer of snow. Of course, the in-laws had to be insufferable, snobbish and openly hostile to their son’s new wife. And, to top it all off, Carla is here to spend the holidays with them too. Carla is Dominic’s ex-wife, and she’s everything Dominic’s parents wanted for him and more. Sofie’s there too. She’s Dominic’s sister, and she’s meant to be the nice, accepting one in the family.

There was a point in the story when I hated the guts of everyone in this house. Anne-Marie and Roger were like Emily and Richard Gilmore stripped of any remnants of a good quality. I knew that Dominic was a bit sus, but I thought he just was a mama’s manchild. I could not understand why Carla was even there. If she wanted her ex-husband back, surely there were other (possibly, most likely, better) ways than showing off in front of the new wife. Sofie was sitting on the fence, pleasing everybody and nobody. A friend to all is a friend to none, remember my words. And Nat was too eager to please… Ugh, girl, shut up and drink your wine.

I can’t say this was a slow burn. The tension started straight away. There were locked doors, side stares, and many questions and secrets floating in the air from chapter one. Everyone was hiding something. There is a big opportunity for the reader to come to conclusions very early on, which is a terrible mistake I always make. I was thinking the story was going in one obvious direction, but it went absolutely sideways.

The book is divided into two parts, the first part is narrated by Nat and the second by Carla. I think it was very clever to start with Nat’s point of view. She’s the new girl, the outsider, and her way of interpreting things might not be the closest to the truth. As I said, reach no conclusions here! Carla’s point of view dragged a bit at the end, but the last chapter is so good that all is forgiven. A love story to family ties and learned behaviours, if I must.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a tension-filled thriller that hooks you up from the very beginning, you’re in for a treat with His Ex-Wife.

Just when you think this author can’t get any better BOOM she’s brings out another spectacular psychological thriller and I definitely think this is their best yet.
So the book is based on a newly married couple facing their first married Christmas at the in law’s and already you can sense it’s all going to go wrong. From the minute they arrive at Dominic’s parents house I went into fear mode and I was scared and frightened for Natalie. I dreaded to think what was coming.
With every chapter I grew more and more addicted and absolutely struggled to pull myself away from this book. It’s completely terrifying and gripping.
I will definitely be recommending this book.

As always with Maria's books you can expect twists, turns, thrills, and intrigue and this is no exception. A good read, easy to read and get into and get to know the characters. It's primarily about Dominic who married Carla first then divorced and remarried a woman called Natalie who was also divorced and ended in disaster. These 2 women were miles apart in status and careers but both suffered abuse from Dominic. Carla was invited to spend Christmas at the parents home by Dominic's mother as snow was too severe to travel. Enter the new wife Natalie into the home and tensions start to rise. Ex wife and new wife spells trouble ahead. Whispers and overheard conversations force Natalie to think Carla wanted Dominic back and is only there for that reason. So starts the tension and intrigue. Overbearing rich parents, money and power, a sister who is jealous, threats and danger creep in, and so the excitement increases, as does their fate. I couldn’t put the book down! I became quite anxious and excited in places and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I found the book very visual too. It was as if I was present the rooms of the house. I could virtually smell the food and drink and I actually know what it's like to spill red wine on white carpet etc.

Another surprise ending to Maria's story. I personally felt that the story could have continued just a bit more as I was left wondering why and what if..but even so such a good read once again.

I always seek out Maria’s books when she has them available! And thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I really enjoyed the storyline and shenanigans of the in-laws. I read it in a day. The action moved the reading pace nicely! It’s crazy the lengths that some people will go through. And poor Natalie had so many past and present problems that I couldn’t help feeling sorry for her! The only problem I had was the ending. I didn’t care for it. And even if I did, I felt that it ended too abruptly. The book would have been much better if the last chapter had been left out. However, I still enjoyed the book very much!

my first read from this author and so enjoyed. Natalie has now found her perfect man Dominic as her last one was abusive. her and Dominic are now married and going to his parents for Christmas, but his parents are cold to her and there a shock for Natalie his ex-wife is there .as the story unfolds everything is not what it seems with a few twists so good

This was an amazing psychological thriller and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Twist after twist, this was a fast paced read they keeps the reader enthralled from page one.

Newly married to Dominic, Natalie is skeptical about spending Christmas with him family. She soon learns her skepticism was warranted when Dom's parents treat her like dirt. On top of that his ex-wife Carla will be spending the holiday with them and in his parents eyes Carla can do no wrong. It's clear to Natalie they would rather Carla was still their daughter in law. The fallout begins at Christmas Eve dinner and spirals from there. Lives will be put in danger but all may not be as it seems.

This was an addictive thriller with an entire family of narcissists and money hungry people who will threaten anyone who stands in their way of getting what they think they deserve. There were twists throughout the entire story and timed perfectly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy

This was exceptional. I truly didn't want to put it down. In fact, I finished it just a couple of days!

The premise was intriguing. The character interplay was believable and riveting. The drama had me hooked.

I predicted most of the twists and turns... right up until the very end of the epilogue, where the book landed a twist I absolutely did not see coming.

It's a wild, gripping, twisty ride and I loved it. I'll definitely be checking out more of this author's work.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of His Ex-Wife. I LOVE Maria Frankland books, my heart starts pounding when I see she has one coming out. This one didn’t disappoint, I never liked Dominic from the beginning. The only ridiculous part in the book was the fighting scene in the kitchen, that was a bit off. I am glad with the way it went with Carla and Natalie. Looks like there might be a sequel???

His Ex-Wife had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out just what in the heck was going on. It's quick read, that takes place all in one night. I didn't want to put it down and finished in one night! I'll be trying to find other Maria Frankland books to add to my TBR!

WOW His Ex-Wife was an amazing psychological thriller by Maria Frankland.

It is Natalie's first Christmas with her husband Dominic at his parent's affluent home and she is feeling upbeat but apprehensive at the same time.

Unbeknown to Natalie, Dominic's parents have invited his ex-wife Carla to join in the celebrations and this is going to be a stressful event for Natalie as more snow has been forecast and now they are all snowed in for the duration. It does not help matters that Carla is a high maintenance type of woman and Dominic's parents treat Carla as a princess even though she is his ex-wife.

Natalie tries her best to ingratiate herself with Dominic's parents and Carla but to no effect. Her only ally is Dominic's sister Sophie who treats her as one of the family.

Natalie fears that Carla is trying to win back Dominic as they both have secret conversations which she happens to eavesdrop some of it but can't put it all together.

Unbeknown to Natalie this family she has married into has secrets they are not willing to share. Natalie has previously been in an abusive relationship before she married Dominic and is a survivor.

Natalie needs to beware of the wolf in sheep's clothing and as the Christmas festivities get under way she realises her life is in danger.

When Natalie agrees to spend Christmas with her in laws she is apprehensive. They have never accepted her and always make her feel unwanted but she is determined to try and make them fall in love with her this year., after arriving in a snowstorm she is trapped with them for the holidays whether she likes it or not but when her husbands ex wife is also snowed in and joins them for Christmas she realises how much they prefer Carla and are doing everything in their power to get them back together. At least Dominic’s sister seems to be her ally but as secret conversations keep happening and she seems to be constantly messing up are things with this family what they seem. This book went in a direction I was not expecting and is a thrilling edge of your seat read with a brilliant ending!

His Ex-Wife by Maria Frankland pulled me in from the off and kept me fully engaged throughout.

Natalie and Dominic are spending the holidays with Dominic's family, who are less than welcoming to Natalie. Adding fuel to the fire is the arrival of Dominic's first wife Carla, who has been stranded due to inclement weather. But Natalie will not be bullied out of her rightful place within the family, and as secrets are exposed, it becomes apparent that no one is without something to hide in this dysfunctional domestic tableau.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

I have become a huge fan of the psychological thrillers Bookouture publishes and His Ex-Wife by Maria Frankland rates up there with the best of them.

I love a few well played twists and turns that completely change how I am thinking everything will turn out. This book provides that and comes up with a couple of very likable females that I found I could feel for when things went totally wrong. The plot was well thought out and the book neatly wraps up by the end--almost. There is a bit that is left to the imagination.

I recommend this highly.

There is nothing like living with the ghost of an ex wife so when Natalie and her husband, Dominic get to his parent’s home for Christmas and discover that Carla has also been invited Natalie gets more nervous than ever.

Natalie has a past but everyone has secrets and when these two worlds collide things get devious.

What an amazing story this was. The plot was pulsatingly good and the twists kept on coming..

tense, riveting and oh so satisfying...

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and bookouture for approving my request to read this book and oh my goodness what a book it is!

I have read many of Maria's books and have loved each and every one but I can honestly say hand on heart this is the best one yet.

His ex wife is an utterly compelling, chilling psychological thriller which had me gripped until the very last page-I was very reluctant to put it down and it kept me up til the early hours as I just had to know how it ended, cancel any plans you may have before you start this book is all I'll say!

I'd highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed especially if you enjoy this particular genre-5 stars from me.

An absolutely un-put-down-able read! His Ex-Wife kept me awake reading into the night. I didn't need sleep, I needed ANSWERS! RUN, do not walk to get this book. Will purchase for all libraries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. When Natalie and her husband, Dominic get to his parent’s home for Christmas, Natalie is nervous. Then, it gets worse when they have invited Dominic’s ex wife, Carla to also stay! She knew they liked Carla better. Everyone in the house has secrets, but will they kill to keep them quiet?
I could not stop reading this heart pounding thriller! The twists at the end were unexpected!

Natalie and Dominic are spending Christmas with his family. Unknown to them, Carla, Dominic's ex wife has also been invited. Natalie feels that she does not fit in with the family, and Carla is very comfortable with them.
She would leave, but they have been snowed in, and her only ally seems to be Sophie, Dominic's sister, who feels she is the black sheep of the family.
Natalie almost dies as a result of a severe peanut allergy. How did that pudding land up on HER plate?


I love Maria Frankland's thrillers. They are fast paced and totally unputdownable. I read this in one sitting.
Coming from a country with one of the highest GBV rates, this book really hit home. Natalie hasn't had much luck with the men she has been involved with.
I sympathized with her having to spend Christmas with her in-laws who she knew did not like her, it brought back very many bad memories for me, and I cringed when she was trying to make conversation, and trying to fit in and be liked.

The ending was a massive surprise, and an eye opener - it shows that you certainly cannot trust anyone.

5/5 stars from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

This talented author has written a page turner. Ted herrings kept me guessing. Secrets and mysteries.
Family and friends… even the title is intriguing.
Ex-wife…is the main character the ex or is another person the ex? Questions…thanks Netgalley